The First Week Back

5th January 2017

On human connection, inspiration and staying in your lane.

Greetings from London. And happy new year! This was how the first week back went:

1. Human connection: My friend and former collaborator Meredith Whitely of Food At Heart said the best thing to me: “I was going to suggest we Skype but thought it would be nicer to see you in person.” I’m grateful she plumped for human connection because, when possible, it’s always more rewarding than a phone call or video chat.

2. Speaking to sponsors for Urban Curiosity: I followed up on some convos with potential sponsors for the THRIVE retreat goody bags + some potential partnership opportunities for walkshops for charity. Feeling a little thrill at all the possibility.

3. Wrapping up a project: My friend Jacqui Lofthouse aka The Writing Coach came over for an evening of exchanging news and plans. We also got down to business with wrapping up the Paradise Road Project that we created a couple of years back. We’ll be using the content from our workshops in a new capacity in 2017.

4. It’s been a slow start to 2017: I’ve been lacking oomph but am slowly rediscovering it. I indulged in a little unhelpful comparison analysis on social media last night before reminding myself of the Kevin Hart skit about staying in your lane. He’s talking about finances but I interpret the message more generally about focusing on my stuff and not getting distracted by my perception of others’ success or fulfilment. Plus it always makes me laugh. Bit sweary though. Watch here.

Thoughtful Links

“Stay curious and hunt for inspiration in unexpected places,” says the founder of Propercorn. Top biz advice for 2017 from the BBC’s The Boss guests.